Bellator FCBellator MMA (Bellator) is the 2nd largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the USA and the largest tournament-based MMA organization in the world. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, the company was formed in 2008 by Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. Bellatorís events are primarily structured around tournaments. The tournament winner is declared the number one contender in their respective weight class, and is awarded a check for $100,000 and a shot at the reigning Bellator champion. Bellator uses the motto ďThe Toughest Tournament In SportsĒ Bellator FC now airs on Spike TV Thursday nights!

After a flirtation in 2011, Bellator and Renato "Babalu" Sobral finally have hooked up.

Sobral (37-9 MMA, 0-0 BFC) is the latest addition to the Bellator Fighting Championships roster. The promotion on Friday announced the signing of the veteran to its light heavyweight roster, where he ie expected to be a part of the Season 8 205-pound tournament.

And though it's too late for a potential showdown between Sobral and former middleweight champion Hector Lombard, who has moved to the UFC, the promotion expects big things from its new signee.

"Babalu is an awesome addition to the Bellator family," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated. "He's beaten some of the greatest fighters in the sport and poses a tremendous threat to every fighter in our light heavyweight division. From a fan's perspective, heís incredibly exciting to watch, and Iím expecting big things from Babalu in January on Spike."

Sobral in late 2011 was part of negotiations with Bellator, and the talk at that time was for a superfight against Lombard. The two trained together briefly earlier in their careers, where a rivalry and apparent rift began. But Lombard earlier this year left Bellator to sign with the UFC, taking that superfight now off the table.

Sobral has fought just once since a December 2010 knockout loss to Dan Henderson in Strikeforce, but that fight was a 31-second armbar submission win over Tatsuya Mizuno at ONE FC 4 in June. Sobral's resume includes a 6-4 record in the UFC, 2-2 in Strikeforce and 2-0 in Affliction. His losses have been to a who's-who in the sport, including Fedor Emelianenko, Henderson (twice), Chuck Liddell (twice), Gegard Mousasi and Kevin Randleman. His first loss to Liddell, at UFC 62, was for the light heavyweight title.

"I'm really happy to be a part of the Bellator family," Sobral stated. "This is my new home, and I canít wait to get into the tournament. My only wish was that it could all be in one night, but I donít think we can do that. So Iíll just put one more tournament under my belt, and Iím going to take this opportunity and get my shot at the Bellator world title."

Bellator's seventh season kicks off Sept. 28 with Bellator 74. It is not yet known if Sobral, who is recovering from a hand injury, will compete in Season 7 or will wait until Season 8, which also will be the promotion's first season on Spike TV. That season begins in January 2013.

Awesome, super stoaked to hear about this! Babalu use to be one of my favorite fighters and back in the day when he fought for the UFC title againist Chuck, I was one of the only people rooting my ass off for him. He sort of hit hard times since then, but I hope he can come back strong through the Bellator tournament.

Awesome, super stoaked to hear about this! Babalu use to be one of my favorite fighters and back in the day when he fought for the UFC title againist Chuck, I was one of the only people rooting my ass off for him. He sort of hit hard times since then, but I hope he can come back strong through the Bellator tournament.

I also used to root for Babalu in the UFC. The guy was title material and would of been champ if not for Liddell. I couldnt believe his running windmill punching gameplan for the second Liddell fight, that was suicide.

Would of been nice to see Babalu in the UFC again, he wouldnt be a contender but a solid gatekeeper. Babalu in Bellator however adds great elite competition and he could pick another belt outside the UFC.